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Longer Than Historical Play
Historically reliever Robb Nen retired after the 2002 season, but in this save he kept going. He made $8.4 million in Detroit in 2003 and $4 million in Oakland in 2004 but the A's bought out the $4 million option for 2005. The Pirates signed him for 2005 at $4.5 million plus two option years at the same amount.
The Pirate exercised their options for years two and three. Nen's ratings rose and at one point the Pirates scout rated him at five stars. Nen didn't reach his previous save totals due to the Pirates' committee approach to closers but got plenty of innings due to pitching in both closing and non closing but high leverage situations. In three years got 74 saves, a 2.34 ERA, and three All Star team selections.
After three great years the Pirates could no longer afford him and Toronto signed him to a one year contract at $11.6 million. Unless the Blue Jays extend him, he'll be a free agent again. As previously mentioned, I'm not playing 2009 so his next salary will remain a mystery.
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